The Philippines is stepping up efforts to block illegal gambling sites, with Telecoms firm Globe alone blocking 1,345 domains in its network in 1Q24.

The Philippines’ tourism market continues its positive momentum. In the first four months of the year, the country received nearly 2 million international visitors, marking a 17 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Prosecutors have received testimony from 10 Chinese nationals implicating seven of their compatriots in illicit activities at a Pasay City-based POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) firm raided last year.

The Philippines' gross gaming revenue is expected to grow ‘at least 15 percent’ this year, following record-breaking 2023.

The Philippines is setting its sights on drawing approximately 15 percent more inbound visitors from the United States, recognizing the market's significant potential contribution to the country's tourism sector recovery.

The Philippines is shining as a gaming destination, with a progressive regulatory environment and rampant interest to invest. Financial expert Ramon Garcia Jr. and gaming veteran David Carrurthers, guided by industry guru Ben Lee, point out exactly why such interest exists and where it could go – particularly if authorities are given more oversight powers.

Shin Hwa Group announced that its provisional license for its integrated resort project in the Philippines has expired.

Malaysian group RGB International will acquire a 20 percent stake in an East Timor electronic gaming machines company with a presence in the Philippines for some $2.2 million.

Philippine Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian is urging the country's Bureau of Immigration (BI) to intensify efforts to prevent foreigners involved in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) from entering the country and establishing more illicit operations.

Macau's international visitor arrivals have already recovered to 68.2 percent of 2019 levels, with 584,026 foreign tourists received in the first quarter of 2024. The Philippines led the charge, with over 110K tourists.